The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting at the Hall of Justice, located at 850 Bryant Street, room #150 in San Francisco, California. The meeting began as scheduled at 1:00pm.
Roll Call: President Leroy Lindo, Vice President Ray Kane, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor (conference call), Trustees Jim O’Meara, Rob Forneris, Lou Barberini, and Ryan Walsh, and Bookkeeper Sally Foster were present. Trustee Al Luenow was excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to accept the minutes from our August 2018 meeting. Trustee Rob Forneris seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Receiving New Applications; Suspensions, and Reinstatements: Vice President Ray Kane responded to the San Francisco Police Academy and presented our membership to Lateral Class #262. Ray was successful in signing up the entire class of 6. Ray also responded to the Police Academy and signed up 28 (of 29) from Recruit Class #260. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to accept all of the signed Recruits as new members. Vice President Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection. We welcome all the new members. New members must pass their probation in the San Francisco Police Department to remain as permanent members. Bookkeeper Sally Foster is conducting an audit of our membership and payroll. Sally reported the following members who are behind in paying their yearly dues; Kostyantyn Ivanov, Michael Nguyen, Molley O’Leary-Klier, and Jessica O’Connor. President Lindo placed the four unpaid members on suspension. A certified letter of suspension will be sent to the unpaid member’s most current and last known address that we have on file. Treasurer Taylor reported to me, the following suspended members as having paid their dues and fees; Daniel Espinoza, Jack Killough, Gary Kunaboot, Bill McFarland, and Mychael Thompson. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to accept the suspended members to a current member status. Trustee Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The four above mentioned suspended members are now members in good standing.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: We received the sad news of the passing of our following members:
Willis A. Casey, age 80: Willis Augustus Casey was born on December 13, 1937 in San Francisco, California to Willis and Jane (Casteret). He graduated from Riordan High School in 1955. Will graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1959 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Later that same year, Will married Patricia M. Dwyer in November of 1959. After serving active duty in the United States Army for two years, Will joined the San Francisco Police Department on November 1, 1961. Will graduated from the Police Academy on April 9, 1962 and worked the following assignments during his 30 year career: Taraval Police Station (April 9, 1962), Park Police Station (May 16, 1963), Co.K AIB (December 31, 1964), Police Academy (promoted to the rank of Q-50 Police Sergeant on October 1, 1969 and transferred to the Academy), Potrero Police Station ( April 28, 1976, promoted to the rank of Q-60 Police Lieutenant on February 7, 1973), Central Police Station (August 22, 1976), Narcotics Detail (January 9, 1977), Parking and Traffic at the S.F. Airport (October 15, 1980), S.F. Airport after promotion to the rank of Q-80 Police Captain (May 11, 1981), Central Police Station (January 3, 1984), P&R (September 12, 1984), Tech Services (May 20, 1985, subsequently appointed to Commander of Police on October 2, 1985), Administration (January 18, 1986, subsequently promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief on March 18, 1986), appointed to the rank of Assistant Chief on January 11, 1990, and appointed to the rank of Police Chief on November 28, 1990, by Mayor Art Agnos. Will retired as the Chief of Police of the San Francisco Police Department on March 31, 1992.
During his career,Will and his partner Curtis A. Nelson was awarded a 3rd Grade Medals of Valor on December 18, 1964 for the arrest of two armed robbers. The suspect had committed two armed robberies that day. Officer Casey and his partner Curtis Nelson were working in the Park District when they were alerted by a Liquor Store clerk that she had just been robbed. The clerk pointed to the two suspects who had just entered their get-away car. Casey and Nelson drove up on the suspect vehicle and ordered the suspects to exit the car. One suspect exited the vehicle but the driver began to drive away. Casey and Nelson fired shots into the vehicle at the driver causing the suspect to lose control and crash into a building. Both suspects were placed in custody and disarmed of their knives. For services rendered on April 3, 1978, Lt. Will Casey, and Inspectors Napolean Hendrix, Marvin Dean, and Steve Gudelj, and Officers Daniel Marr and Catherine B. Nelson were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor. On that day, ten Narcotics Officers served a search warrant at a residence and arrested five suspects. One of the suspects exchanged gunfire with the Officers. A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of stolen property as well as the seizure of narcotics and paraphernalia. As a result of that particular arrest and investigation, Police Offices Gregory Corrales and Michael C. Norman were awarded with Gold Medals of Valor. Officers Marion Jackson, Bill Maring, Vivian Baptiste, and Michael Lujan were awarded with Silver Medal of Valor for their part in this arrest. During his career, Will earned a Master’s Degree in Government from the University of San Francisco. After retirement Will did not rest on his accomplishments. Will was hired as the Chief of Police in Pittsburg, California during a very difficult time for the Pittsburg Police Department. Will provided the leadership, integrity, and experience that were necessary to meet that challenges he faced in Pittsburg. Will served as their Chief for many years. After his second retirement as Chief, Will was hired by the City of Pittsburg as their City Manager. He was subsequently elected to the Pittsburg City Council where he served 2 terms as their Mayor. He retired from the Pittsburg City Council in November 2017. Will was happily married to Patricia for nearly 48 years when she passed away in 2007. Will lost his oldest son Mark Casey (Megan) in 2014. Will is survived by four children, Sheila Casey Luskin of Sunnyvale, Lorraine Casey of San Francisco, Eileen Casey Lipp (Doug) of Lomita, California, and William Allison of Naperville, Illinois. Will is also survived by ten grandchildren. Strong leadership, strength in character, and integrity defines Will’s careers, but he will most fondly be remembered by family and friends for his wonderful sense of humor and warm, loving nature.
Terry Gregory: Terry Allen Gregory was born in Portland, Oregon in 1946. Terry was employed as a Teletype Mechanic prior to entering law enforcement. Terry entered the San Francisco Police Department on November 27, 1972. Terry was assigned to Star #1262. Terry graduated from the San Francisco Police Academy on March 11, 1973. Terry worked the following assignments during his 30 year career: Richmond Police Station (March 11, 1973), Central Police Station (June 14, 1981), Park Police Station (June 17, 1973), Northern Police Station (August 14, 1974), Mission Police Station (September 21, 1975), Taraval Police Station (May 18, 1977), Central Police Station (June 6, 1977), Southern Police Station (May 31, 1978) and went back to Central Police Station (no date documented on this transfer). Terry worked at seven different Police Stations during his career, and retired with a service pension on January 6, 2003.
During his career, Terry Gregory, Ronald Black, Jeffrey Jenkins, and James Bergstrom were awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Thursday August 14, 1974. The Officers observed a serious altercation involving several people, on the corner of Polk Street and Hemlock Alley. The suspects fled but were captured by the Officers. One of the victims died from his wounds. The suspects were charged with murder. Officer Terry Allen Gregory, with Sergeant Felix Buckley and Officers Steven Hansen and Vladimir Kovalev were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on Thursday November 27, 1975. At approximately 0430 hours they observed a smoke coming from 131 San Jose Avenue. They investigated and found it to be a working fire. They disregarded their own personal safety by entering the burning building. The Officers led approximately 60 occupants through the smoke and fire to safety. One small child and one elderly person were among the 60. Not one single person was injured.
Robert “Bob” O’Sullivan, age 75: Robert Paul O’Sullivan was born on June 30, 1943, in San Francisco, California. Bob was born to Bertinel and Mercedes O’Sullivan. Bob attended St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco, class of 1965. Bob entered the San Francisco Police Department on February 16, 1967. Bob was assigned to Star #44. Bob graduated from the Police Academy on May 15, 1967 and worked the following assignments during his 38 year career: Park Police Station (May 15, 1967), Richmond Police Station (June 20, 1977), Potrero Police Station (May 7, 1980), Investigation “S” Squad (August 8, 1980 promoted to the rank of Q-50 Sergeant of Police, and Q-35 Inspector of Police), Investigations Personal Crimes/ General Works Detail (September 24, 1980) through his Service Retirement in 2005.
During his career, Bob was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on February 14, 1975. Officers Robert O’Sullivan, Michael Griffin, Karl Stron, Stephen Wolf and Michael Yalon, with Sgt. John Lynch, Inspector Sviatoslav Yasinitsky, and Lt. Morris Hazen took part in the capture in the arrest of a suspect who, with his spouse, burglarized a residence in Mill Valley. The suspect was confronted by a Mill Valley Officer and exchanged gunfire before escaping to San Francisco. The suspect had left his wife behind and she informed the Mill Valley Police that the suspect may be going to their home in San Francisco. Bob and the listed Officers conducted a “stake-out” on the suspect’s home and subsequently captured the suspect. All Officers mentioned were awarded a Police Commission Commendation. For services rendered on October25, 1975 Bob and Officer Michael Kelleher responded to a working fire at 227 2nd Avenue. An Officer entered the premises but was overwhelmed with smoke inhalation. The Officer exited the building as the windows exploded. The other Officer responded next door and led the occupants out of the building to safety. Apparently the burning building was unoccupied but both Officers were injured. Bob O’Sullivan and Michael Kelleher were awarded Police Commission Commendations. Bob was awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Wednesday May 9, 1979. Bob and his partner George McDonald responded to 3408 Clay Street and completed a stolen auto report. Shortly thereafter, they heard the broadcast of an armed robbery of a bank that had just occurred at 5500 Geary Street. The description of the suspect and get-away car matched the description of the suspect and stolen auto in the report they had just completed. Bob and George searched the area and located the suspect boarding a muni bus at Pacific and Presidio. The Officers apprehended the suspect as he struggled to brandish his .380 automatic pistol at the officers. Bob and George overpowered the suspect and placed him in custody. Bob and George recovered all of the proceeds from the robbery and the suspect was positively identified by witnesses. Robert O’Sullivan and George McDonald both were awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor. For services rendered on November 21, 1979 Sgt. Robert O’Sullivan and, Officer Kenneth Debrunner were awarded with a Meritorious Conduct Award. O’Sullivan and Debrunner conducted a painstaking investigation of a “pidgeon-drop” case resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of all of the victim’s money. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Cheryl O’Sullivan, and their 3 children Lynn (John), Robert (S.F.P.D. Captain) (Kathleen), Stephen (Kristen), and nine grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his sister Rosemary Baglin (Michael), Niece Lisa (Eligio), and Nephew Michael (Ann).
Robert Pollio, age 81: Robert Pollio was born on January 8, 1937 in San Francisco, California. Robert entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 4, 1960, and was assigned to wear Star #190. Robert graduated from the Police Academy on April 11, 1960 and worked the following assignments during his 19 year career: Richmond Police Station (April 11, 1960), Northern Police Station (February 5, 1961), Taraval Police Station (February 13, 1962), Northern Police Station (April 9, 1962), Taraval Police Station (December 17, 1962), Mission Police Station (January 1, 1966), Park Police Station (June 17, 1973), SSB-Communications (May 26, 1978). Robert retired with a disability pension on November 2, 1978.
During his career, Robert was awarded a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for the apprehension of a suspect who brandished a firearm on November 7, 1969. The suspect brandished a firearm in a threatening manner inside a tavern at 18th and Mission Streets. Pollio, with Officers Michael T. Gallagher, Louis Gomez, William Johnston, Louis Lituanio, and Thomas J. Sullivan responded. The suspect was located walking northbound on Mission Street. The Officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The suspect was eventually taken into custody. Robert Pollio and his partner Robert Bronson were awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Wednesday November 17, 1971. Both Officers were off duty and working as bank tellers and took part in the arrest of an armed suspect who attempted to hold up the bank.
Report of Special Committee: Bookkeeper Sally Foster reported that our re-write of our Constitution and By-Laws will be ready for mailing in October. Members will receive a letter of proposed amendments and the voting ballot. Sally has also researched the reissuing of the WOAA Certificates to new members. Sally reported that each Certificate will cost $3.00. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to accept the proposed WOAA Certificate program and cost measure. Vice President Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection. The WOAA Board decided, if the vote passes, to make our updated Constitution and By-Laws accessible to members on our website.
Unfinished Business: Our WOAA re-write proposal, and Certificate Program was reported in Report of Special Committee.
New Business: No report this month.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Lindo led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for all our past and present fallen members, and the fallen members and families of the 911 tragedy on this date in 2001, in New York City. President Lindo set our next meeting for Tuesday October 16, 2018. The meeting will held at the Italian Athletic Club at 5pm.
To All Members: Beneficiary Change: Members may access a new beneficiary form by visiting our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Locate the Resources box on our face page. Open the Resources box and use the beneficiary form link. Print the form and complete it with names, addresses, contact numbers, email addresses, and your designated choice of beneficiary. Please mail your form to WOAA, P.O. Box 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. Please contact me at 415 681-3660, or by email at markmac835@comcast.net for your current beneficiary information, or any WOAA purpose. The WOAA Board bestows their appreciation and gratitude each month to the following people who assist our efforts: Retired S.F.PD. Captain and the current P.O.A. Defense Administrator Paul Chignell, Retired S.F.P.D. Lieutenant Rene LaPrevotte who is the host of the Gold Country Reaper, Retired Sergeant and the current editor of the POA Journal, Ray Shine, Sergeant Rachael Kilshaw and Risa Tom of the Police Commissioner’s Office, David Ng of Personnel, and to the Traffic Command and Officers who generously afford us a room for our meeting and files.
